The European music ecosystem is one of the cultural sectors most affected by the spread of COVID-19. Taking in account the requirements of artists in the music sector, it is clear that additional measures are needed to help the sector recover in a sustainable way by adapting to new realities.
Music is a tool for expression, identity and communication between young people. They need music and music needs them, as they can play an important role in the recovery of the music industry.
In this context, the Music Moving Youth project is born as an opportunity to create various initiatives and activities for the exchange of good practices and the development of new competencies and skills among youth and artists.
On the 10 of February 2022, a focus group was held to explore the effects of COVID-19 on the music industry. The focus group was held online on the Webex platform in the context of the implementation of the first activity of the Music Moving Youth project.
The focus group invited various experts from managers of cultural NGOs, artists, bookers and organizers to novice musicians and performers. The group discussed how COVID-19 has effected them as young individuals and as professionals in the cultural and creative sectors.
The questions discussed during the focus group:
- What effect did COVID-19 have on you?
- What do you think is the impact of the pandemic on music?
- Do you think that the sector has received the necessary support to deal with the health situation?
- Do you think there could be other alternatives to keep making live music?
- What measures do you think are needed for the sector to survive and recover?
The activity is part of the Music Moving Youth project, funded through the Erasmus+ Programme